close 1 of 6

adjective

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
Definition of closenext
1
as in crowded
having little space between items or parts the soldiers marched in close formation against the enemy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in near
not being distant in time, space, or significance my birthday is close to Christmas a shopping mall that is very close to the highway these words are close synonyms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in narrow
showing little difference in the standing of the competitors the election results were so close that the votes had to be recounted

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in intimate
closely acquainted a small wedding ceremony that was limited to close friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge she was as close as a stone when it came to talking about her love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in cheap
giving or sharing as little as possible the kind of folks who are very close when charity calls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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7
as in breathless
lacking fresh air a small room with an uncomfortably close atmosphere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy a close analysis of the box-office performance of action movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close

2 of 6

verb

ˈklōz How to pronounce close (audio)
1
as in to shut
to position (something) so as to prevent passage through an opening be sure to close the gate when you leave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to close (down)
to stop the operations of the merchant will close the store if business doesn't improve

Synonyms & Similar Words

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3
as in to end
to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point we'll close the assembly with the singing of our national anthem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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4
as in to stop
to come to an end the services closed with a short prayer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to come
to come near or nearer the two groups closed with each other from opposite sides of the field

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

close

3 of 6

adverb

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time the stranded passengers drew close for reassurance

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

4 of 6

noun (1)

ˈklōs How to pronounce close (audio)
as in courtyard
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) a garden in a close at the center of the complex

Synonyms & Similar Words

close

5 of 6

noun (2)

ˈklōz How to pronounce close (audio)
1
as in ending
the stopping of a process or activity at the close of the evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in conclusion
the last part of a process or action managed to conduct the negotiations to a satisfactory close

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

closeness

6 of 6

noun (3)

1
as in secrecy
the practice or habit of keeping secrets or keeping one's affairs secret we tried to penetrate her strange closeness about her domestic life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in economy
the quality or practice of being overly sparing with money rebelled against his parents' closeness with his allowance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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3
as in accuracy
the quality or state of being very accurate the body was too decomposed to estimate the time of death with any great closeness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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4
as in intimacy
the state of being in a very personal or private relationship the closeness of their relationship was a matter of intense speculation among their coworkers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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5
as in proximity
the state or condition of being near we were surprised by the closeness of everything to our downtown loft

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6
as in carefulness
strict attentiveness to what one is doing how much you get out of the sermon will depend on the closeness with which you listen to it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

How does the adjective close contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of close are miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When can miserly be used instead of close?

The synonyms miserly and close are sometimes interchangeable, but miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to close?

Although the words niggardly and close have much in common, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

In what contexts can parsimonious take the place of close?

While in some cases nearly identical to close, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When is it sensible to use penurious instead of close?

The meanings of penurious and close largely overlap; however, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When could stingy be used to replace close?

In some situations, the words stingy and close are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of close
Adjective
And yet Thomas’s relationship with Emmie is surprisingly close. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 As per Kadas, the app is engineered specifically to facilitate real-world interactions between users who share common interests and live within close geographical proximity, and they are matched on those very factors. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Declaration Partners closed its second real estate investing fund in October, raising about $303 million. —Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 Abol, formerly Elsa’s, closed last September. —Jenna Thompson march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The Bucks stayed close early, trailing 29-25 after one quarter with Trent scoring 11 points, including sinking 3 of 5 from three-point range. —CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estévez continued to struggle with his velocity on Saturday night against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. —Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
Borrowers ended last year with more debt than ever before, in part because credit card balances hit a fresh high at the close of the year. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 After voting closes, the week’s winning piece is auctioned off, as an NFT, via the online marketplace SuperRare. —Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
While Kiir is not actually Kainerugaba’s uncle, the term shows the closeness of the two governments. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 Guerin saw how important chemistry and closeness were to a team in winning a championship during the Olympics and is cognizant of how a big move could affect what’s already been one of the best teams in the NHL. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close
Recent Examples of Synonyms for close
  1. crowded
  2. near
  3. narrow
  4. intimate
  5. silent
  6. cheap
  7. breathless
  8. accurate
Adjective
  • The couple, who had been married for 50 years, didn’t know a gunman would take them hostage while trying evade police after a shootout in the crowded neighborhood park.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Despite the crowded group, Hetherman said Dunnigan will have a chance to compete for playing time.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of crowded
Adjective
  • Perhaps the apocalypse is near, because what’s proven to be a difficult task for the Hornets seemingly forever finally happened Thursday night.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty, Middle Eastern investment funds, a major source of capital for private equity globally, may also be taking a pause with outbound commitments at least for the near term, Thompson said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of near
Adjective
  • Plus Yosh Nijman, Ekwonu’s backup and the Panthers’ swing tackle, suddenly retired earlier this month — flinging the Panthers’ offensive line plan into even narrower straits.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
  • As deductions narrow and dependents age out, Roth withdrawals become one of the cleanest sources of tax-free income available for the 62-to-70 age group.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of narrow
Adjective
  • Building on the intimate, immersive style of The Egg, Pegasus has commissioned four local choreographers to make new pieces based on 30 words identified by the Common Language Project of the Writer’s Garret meant to encourage poetry around themes.
    — Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Madison, which has already been renewed for a second season, is described as Sheridan’s most intimate work to date and a study of grief and human connection.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of intimate
Adjective
  • Imogen Poots stars as silent film star Gloria Swanson, who had a passionate affair with Joe Kennedy Sr.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • With the help of a silent backer, the designer establishes Schiaparelli Pour le Sport at 4 rue de la Paix.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.
    — Greg Cote Updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Don't forget about the newer, more compact and much cheaper Lego Technic SLS set, only $60, also 'launches' with some clever Technic moving parts.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • There is a lot of breathless talk of autonomous agents reshaping every corner of corporate America, from handling sales calls to writing code to managing supply chains.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In the breathless reporting that followed, Barkley publicly denied dating Madonna before the 1993 NBA finals.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of breathless
Adjective
  • Weather apps have a tendency to alienate their user bases, perhaps because people’s physical experiences—their plans, their dress, their commutes—so directly depend on an accurate report.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of accurate

Phrases Containing close

Browse Nearby Words

clops
close
close call
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Cite this Entry

“Close.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on close

Nglish: Translation of close for Spanish Speakers

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